Islamic extremism demands U.S. action: #tellusatoday

The United States began targeted airstrikes in Iraq last week to stop the advances of the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

These bloodthirsty barbarians in ISIS have openly declared their intention to commit acts of terrorism against the USA, yet some people think this is an issue that Americans should not be concerned with.

I'm sorry, but this is an issue that we should be concerned about. Absolutely nothing says 9/11 won't happen again.

— Zachary Wheeler

Muslim terrorists are like cockroaches. The only way to get rid of them is to burn down the house. Iraqis let these roaches multiply, and now they have to deal with them. Airstrikes and humanitarian aid I agree with, but no U.S. boots on Iraqi soil.

We poured much blood, sweat and money into that country only to see nearly 10 years of work go up in smoke in a couple of years. Never again.

— Michyle S. Glen

The mistake America made was withdrawing all U.S. assets. We should have left a significant military and intelligence presence behind for a long-term stay. American presence in the heart of the Middle East, with significant military assets and mature leadership, would have had a stabilizing effect on the entire region. By leaving and disengaging, we invited chaos and Islamic extremists to fill the power vacuum our departure created. We must re-engage in the region.

— Doug Santo

This is not our war or responsibility. Nevertheless, President Obama is right that if we can help, we ought to do something.

He is providing limited bombing and food assistance. Now it is up to the people of that region to do the rest. We are not responsible for the entire world.

— Curtis Blanco

I certainly understand the "we don't need to be dragged into another war" sentiment. We are tired of war. But feeling tired of war is a luxury we can't afford when faced with the ISIS crisis.

ISIS, aware of our war fatigue, may have calculated that we would be slow to react. Did it time its buildup and marauding campaigns to begin while a "no boots on the ground" U.S. president was in office? After all, Obama suggested ISIS was a "JV team" in an interview published in January.

— Jerry Boggs

War weary, worried about growing threat

We asked our followers on Twitter what they thought of the U.S. conducting targeted airstrikes in Iraq. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

First, I don't think it will work and would not have pursued that course of action. Second, I hope it works.

— @jeremylottdiary

I hope President Obama finishes the job before leaving again!

— @sandi_hemming

You need to kill the ISIS fighters, not just their mortars. Take the offensive and wipe them out, not just contain them.

— @Marc_TR6

Can we mind our own business please? Just once. Don't we have issues here at home?

— @ChevyRyden

Last I checked, nobody wants war. But we must act. ISIS is not a JV team. It murders and recruits to kill.